Unit II:

Bourbon, Baroque and the Enlightenment

English Civil War Class Assignment

Go to the article "The Personality and Political Style of Charles I" on the BBC History website. As you read, construct a profile of Charles I discussing his strengths and weaknesses not only as a monarch but also as a person (in table form).
Now go to the article "Choosing Sides in the English Civil War" on the BBC History website. As you read, take notes on the evolution of the Civil War from its beginning to Charles I's execution. Then answer these three questions:
- What conditions/attitudes/loyalties made someone back the "Roundheads" in the Civil War?
- What conditions/attitudes/loyalties made someone back the "Cavaliers" in the Civil War?
- If you we sent back in Mr. Freccia's time machine to 1642, which side would you back? Why?
Go to the article "Oliver Cromwell" on the BBC History website. As you read, jot down why you feel Cromwell was the best man to lead the republic following the execution of Charles I. What caused England to revert back to a monarchy after his death?
Finally, fru fru time! Read about "Pepys' London" for a social examination of life during the 17th century in a major city. Jot down a summary from each of the six "mini-articles."

Due: Thursday, October 12th

For more information...check out Simon Schama's A History of Britain (2002) website - Chapter 7 (Tutor family) and Chapter 8 (Stuart family).